Episode 190 - To swatch or not to swatch?

To swatch or not to swatch? That is often the question I am asked as a professional yarn enabler at the local yarn store where I work. Trust me, you will always learn something from swatching. If your swatch tells you the wrong thing, maybe you've asked the wrong question. Maybe you weren't listening to an answer you didn't want to hear. There are so many factors and so many possibilities. As knitters, we do the best we can. We read labels, we swatch, we pick pretty colors and stylish patterns. And yet, sometimes we still fail. Even master painters have been known to throw out a canvas or two, so really, as fiber artists, an occasional fail is bound to happen. We swatch to increase the odds, to give us more information to be successful.

Personally, I've never understood the swatch hate. I enjoy knitting swatches. I don't have to look at a pattern, I don't have to think too hard. I just sit and knit! (Okay, swatching for special stitch patterns or cables or lace is different and does require thought and attention.) Though I love my finished objects, I do enjoy the simple process of needles in hand and yarn slipping through fingers. It is the closest to zen knitting I've experienced. So there's another thought for you. Enjoy the swatching process!

Oh, and if you want to see a photo of last year's NoCKRs retreat swatch experiment, take a look at episode 164 here.
- Sharlene

What are we wearing?
5200K by Suvi Simola
Sharlene's 5200
Peasy by Heidi Kirrmeier
Gayle's Peasy
Arroyo from Malabrigo Yarn

What are we stalking?
Pescadero Waves by Heather Linebarger
Coast Old Bomuld from Holst Garn
Rusty Tuku by Susanne Sommer
Perfect Reversible Watch Cap by Nancy Elizabeth Nunroe
Candy Dot by Yelena Dasher
Bunny girl in a dotty dress by Julie Williams
Bear in a Bunny Suit by Susan Anderson
Olive Leaf Cardigan by Eri
Olive Leaf Pullover by Ririko


Thank-you Plum Deluxe for sponsoring this episode!

What are we knitting?
Cooperish Cowl by Katy Carroll
Beckett by Marie Green
Noble yarn fr Holst Garn
Like a Cloud by Joji Locatelli
tosh lace from madelinetosh
Mohair Lace from Fidalgo Yarn
Little Bird by Veera Välimäki

Clio by Elizabeth Doherty

What have we finished?

Zweig by Caitlin Hunter

Fletcher by Elizabeth Doherty